AQA · GCSE · Religious Studies
Course version: 8062 · Version from Sept 2018
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings: Islam
The study of Islam centres on its foundational beliefs, requiring an understanding of both Sunni and Shi'a traditions.
Checked against the AQA 8062 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The study of Islam centres on its foundational beliefs, requiring an understanding of both Sunni and Shi'a traditions. The absolute core of Islamic belief is Tawhid, the indivisible oneness and supremacy of Allah. The curriculum covers the role of Malaikah (angels) in recording actions, alongside the authority of holy books, particularly the Qur'an. Furthermore, teachings on Akhirah (life after death) and Al-Qadr (predestination) are vital. Recognising the distinction between the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam and the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam is crucial for comprehensive analysis.
What earns the marks
- Explain Tawhid as the central belief in the oneness and absolute power of Allah.
- Distinguish between the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam and the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam.
- Describe the concept of Risalah (prophethood) and the significance of Muhammad as the final prophet.
- Analyse the impact of beliefs in Akhirah (life after death) and Al-Qadr (predestination) on a Muslim's daily life.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Using the term 'prophet' exclusively for Muhammad.
Put it right by acknowledging other prophets like Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa in Islam.
Confusing Sunni and Shi'a core beliefs.
Put it right: Ensure you accurately attribute the Six Articles of Faith to Sunni Islam and the Five Roots to Shi'a Islam.
Misunderstanding Al-Qadr as entirely removing free will.
Put it right: Explain that while Allah knows all, humans still possess free will to make moral choices.
Exam tips
- Always capitalise 'Allah' and 'Qur'an' to show respect and proper terminology in your answers.
- When discussing Islamic beliefs, explicitly state whether a belief is shared by all Muslims or specific to Sunni or Shi'a traditions.
- Use the concept of Tawhid as a foundational argument when evaluating any Islamic teaching or practice.
Try the lesson
The start of the Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings: Islam lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is the meaning of the core Islamic belief of Tawhid?
Listen
The study of Islam centres on its foundational beliefs, requiring an understanding of both Sunni and Shi'a traditions. The absolute core of Islamic belief is Tawhid, the indivisible oneness and supremacy of Allah. The curriculum covers the role of Malaikah (angels) in recording actions, alongside the authority of holy books, particularly the Qur'an. Furthermore, teachings on Akhirah (life after death) and Al-Qadr (predestination) are vital. Recognising the distinction between the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam and the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam is crucial for comprehensive analysis. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain Tawhid as the central belief in the oneness and absolute power of Allah. Distinguish between the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam and the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam. Describe the concept of Risalah (prophethood) and the significance of Muhammad as the final prophet. Analyse the impact of beliefs in Akhirah (life after death) and Al-Qadr (predestination) on a Muslim's daily life. A common slip: Using the term 'prophet' exclusively for Muhammad. Instead, acknowledging other prophets like Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa in Islam. Exam tip: Always capitalise 'Allah' and 'Qur'an' to show respect and proper terminology in your answers.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Tawhid
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Risalah
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Akhirah
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Al-Qadr
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See every definition
- Tawhid
- The indivisible oneness and supremacy of Allah, described as the absolute core of Islamic belief.
- Risalah
- Prophethood, through which Allah communicates with humanity, including key figures like Ibrahim and Muhammad, the seal of the prophets.
- Akhirah
- Life after death, on which teachings are vital alongside Al-Qadr.
- Al-Qadr
- Predestination, on which teachings are vital alongside Akhirah.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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